Naming opportunities are a familiar tool for securing and recognizing major gifts. This practice is now used by all types fundraising organizations and can address both physical spaces, like a building or office, or a concept, like a center or a faculty position.
Read MoreBok Tower Gardens is a historic landmark. The singing carillon tower and surrounding gardens were a gift from founder and philanthropist Edward W. Bok. Designed by architect Milton B. Medary, the tower features the finest design and craftsmanship of the period, including stonework by Lee Lawrie, tiles by J.H. Dulles Allen and metalwork by Samuel Yellin. The 60-bell carillon is one of the finest in the world. The gardens were designed by the renowned landscape architect Frank Law Olmstead, Jr.
Read MoreThere are two key questions that we all want to ask and they both point to donor motivation. The first is why did you give to us? The second is what will motivate you to give to us again? One can be asked, the other should never be asked. If we are to demonstrate understanding of our donors, there are some things we have to figure out without asking.
Read MorePackaging information or the elements of an experience in a familiar “wrap” is often the most efficient and practical means for the donor relations team to brand the messages they prepare. This wrap can be as simple as adding a consistent look or brand to outgoing emails, a two-pocket folder or a regular template for your donor reports.
Read MoreHow often should you communicate with your donors?
As you construct a communication plan, be mindful of the level of intimacy implied by different types of activity or communication channels. Always be respectful of the individual donor’s request for privacy, keeping in mind that there are degrees of anonymity.
Read MoreAs we all well know, the experience surrounding an event starts long before the attendee arrives at the physical location. Events should be designed with the pre- and post-event communication strategies in mind and the experience of those components should be managed and branded with care.
Read MoreCreating and policing graphic standards is not typically within the scope of work assigned to a donor relations team. Most often, donor relations teams work with a variety of materials coming from multiple sources with little opportunity to reformat the information they receive. There may even be specific directives to avoid taking leadership in the expression of the graphic identity for the organization.
Read More“Managing up in the purest sense of the concept means that you will act forever and always as the catalyst in your reporting relationship.” Instead of waiting on directives from a superior, you internalize both the work objective and the work process to the point that you predict what will be needed and have it ready without being asked for it. You create systems for keeping those above and beside you aware of your work progress.
Read MoreOriginally founded in 1911 through a gift of $25,000 from Francis Flagg Putney, the Phoebe Health System has grown to serve as the major medical center for Southwest Georgia with multiple campuses and a full range of medical services. When the gift was made, Mr. Putney required three things: that the hospital be built of brick, that it serve anyone regardless of ability to pay, and that it be named for his mother, Phoebe.
Read MoreWhat are the basics every donor relations professional should know? Think it through from your own point of view. If you were hiring a new person who would take on half of your work, what skills would he or she need? What talent and experience would you be looking for? What knowledge would you need to share right away?
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